Fitting a Surrey Flange on a hot water cylinder

[Paul Cockhill]

HI everyone

I am having a problem removing a fitting from a Hercal Hot water cylinder. I ned to undo the fitting at the top to fit a surrey flange. It seems stuck fast. What is the best way to unscrew it?
I am afraid of splitting the tank. I have tried " Crack it" spray which usually works in loosening a tight connection but this has made no difference.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Paul

 

[king of pipes]

Heat it up first bud should work remove a bit of the insulation though . kop

 

[Last Plumber]

If you are meaning that you would like to remove the nut in the photo?

Cut it or drill it and split it!

 

[king of pipes]

Its a 3/4 bsp male iron to 22mm compression straight so not suitable to do the above , a bit of heat will shift it. Cheers Kop

 

[Last Plumber]

Its a 3/4 bsp male iron to 22mm compression straight so not suitable to do the above , a bit of heat will shift it. Cheers Kop

Why not suitable?

 

[Last Plumber]

Having looked closer, I think KOP is right there. My apologies.

At first glance I thought it was a back nut

 

[spanner]

Be careful not to spray too much of the WD as it's all over the insulation.
This could degrade the jacket and the foam.
Doesn't look too bad.
Alternative safest way
Use a deep socket and an L bar
Or a decent pair of adjustable.

 

[spanner]

Use wire brush to clean off most of the jet white from around the union
This should make it easier.
Also get a good square grip with the wrench..

 

[Chalked]

Save time and fit an Essex flange

 

[spanner]

As above
Looks like it's filled with boss white.
Once that stuff grips it's kinda permanent.
Go for the Essex flange mate

 

[Harvest Fields]

Always a pain to get out mate. Have you done it now?

 

[spanner]

Yes have come across a few times
Don't use it myself
But can be a right pain in the backside.

 

[Best]

Make sure the water is out of the cylinder, or certainly much lower than the top connection. Then just needs careful heat with torch and good grips to remove it.
That is a grade 4 cylinder and not much strength to it. I believe minimum standard is grade 3 now and grade 4 no longer used.
I wouldn't use an Essex flange with its rubber joints.

 

[Paul Cockhill]

Many thanks everyone for your useful tips. I am not doing it until next week. Will take your advice and carefully use heat and patience.

regards

Paul